Springvale graziers not giving up fight to keep family land

SHARON and Robert Lohse might only have a few days left to save their 100-year-old property if the State Government passes new laws to permanently class their land as national park.

Gigoomgan cattle station in Springvale has been in the Lohse family for a century, and is the cornerstone for the family's business and livelihood.

The Lohses has been battling the State Government for the right to keep running cattle on the 9300 acre block since 2004 when the land was classed as national park under the South East Queensland Forest Agreement.

The family took successful Supreme Court action but were only able to secure a grazing lease until 2024, and have been constantly fighting to appeal this decision ever since.

The Palaszczuk Government's tabled amendments to the Nature Conservation Act will mean the Lohse family will have no possibility to appeal the decision or renew their lease, and will be either passed or rejected in parliament on March 15.

Sharon Lohse said she has been sending emails and letters to state and shadow ministers every day, begging them not to pass the amendment bill.

"This is our livelihood; we raised our children here and they are taking away our right to fight to keep what we have here," Sharon said.

A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service spokeswoman said the amendment bill would not affect the terms or conditions of the current arrangements with the family.

"The Government has made a commitment to preserve and protect natural conditions, cultural resources and values of national parks to the greatest possible extent," the spokeswoman said.